Lesson summary
Retired AFL star Adam Goodes is known to many for his resilient journey in the face of detrimental treatment by AFL spectators and the media beginning in 2013.
In this lesson, students will investigate Australia’s perceived ‘national identity’ and work out who we are as a nation and who we want to be in the future. They will identify the diverse cultures and experiences represented across Australia and explore how this diversity impacts upon their understanding of a shared national identity. Students will then watch a clip from The Final Quarter documentary and analyse the message of Stan Grant’s powerful reflection, which includes the questions, ‘Who are we? What sort of country do we want to be?’ Students will be given an opportunity to create their own representation of Australia’s national identity that reflects how they want it to be represented publicly in the future.
Learning intentions:
Students understand...
- what ‘national identity’ is in an Australian context
- why unity in diversity is important to reconciliation across the nation
- the impact of negative race relations, inequality and inequity on Australian society.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- identify examples of negative race relations, inequality and inequity in Australian society, and explain how these impact on identity
- imagine a future where all Australians feel like they belong
- present a representation of their understanding of Australia’s national identity and of a reconciled future for Australia.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 8 Civics & Citizenship:
- Different perspectives about Australia’s national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and what it means to be Australian (ACHCK066)
- How national identity can shape a sense of belonging in Australia’s multicultural society (ACHCK067)
- Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS070)
- Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australia’s democracy (ACHCS074)
Syllabus outcomes: AS4.8, AS4.9
General capabilities: Literacy, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (OI,6)
Relevant parts of Year 8 achievement standards:
Students analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging. They explain different points of view on civics and citizenship issues.
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work: The Final Quarter – Being Australian – Civ & Cit – Year 8
Time required: 60 mins
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and promote collaborative group work.
Resources required
- Butcher’s paper and markers
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student
- Handling Sensitive Topics and Issues (optional)
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Cultural understanding
- Empathy
- Social skills
Additional info
Using only archival footage aired at the time, The Final Quarter holds a mirror to Australia and is an opportunity to reconsider what happened on and off the football field. Learn more about the film here.
We highly recommend that students view the film in its entirety before participating in subsequent lessons.
Our Watching the Film lessons are designed to support you in facilitating this process. Given the content, it is also important for teachers to communicate with parents and guardians of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students before playing the film and/or engaging with the teaching and learning resources.
Note: This film may not be suitable for viewing by all young people. Teachers are advised to use their discretion when deciding whether to show this film. If teaching in a context with a high proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, it is imperative that guidance is sought from the Principal and Aboriginal Education Officer (or equivalent) prior to screening the film.
Welcome back!
Don't have an account yet?
Log in with:
Create your free Cool.org account.
Many of our resources are free, with an option to upgrade to Cool+ for premium content.
Already have an account?
Sign up with:
By signing up you accept Cool.org's Terms and Conditions(Opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy(Opens in new tab).